Local councillors came out to show their support for striking rail workers this weekend.

Saturday morning (October 8), two Welshpool Town Councillors, Ben Gwalchmai and David France, visited the Network Rail picket line in Machynlleth, organised by the Cambrian Branch of the RMT trade union, to speak to those on strike.

The picket line was one of many across the country as UK-wide rail strikes occurred on Saturday for the third time this month.

Over 40,000 Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union workers walked out over pay and conditions, leaving only 20% of regular train services running.

Recently appointed Secretary of State for Transport Anne-Marie Trevelyan has been optimistic that there is ‘a deal to be done’ with unions, but RMT’s General Secretary Mick Lynch has accused the UK Government of continuing to hold train operators back from making a deal, and called upon them to ‘unshackle the railway companies’.

Many came out to show their solidarity with the striking workers including Extinction Rebellion Machynlleth activists, members of other unions, and other locals.

Now this strike has ended, RMT members across the country will vote on whether to continue their industrial actions.

Welshpool Town Councillor Ben Gwalchmai voiced his support of the strikes and said: “As a trade unionist and a Labour Party member, I came to the Picket Line to show solidarity with and appreciation for the workers of the Cambrian Line.

“Just like Machynlleth, Welshpool's train station is an essential part of the life of our town and we must support the Essential Workers that make it safe.”

Welshpool Town Councillor David France was impressed by the fortitude of the striking workers.

“I had a great morning hearing from the fantastic workers and activists fighting for their rights and for better services for all of us on the Cambrian Line,” said Mr France

“I was impressed by their determination to resist the proposed cuts to pay and standards, despite the personal financial cost of striking and despite pressure from bosses.

“When workers hurt, we all hurt. I fully support them to keep going until they get what they’re asking.”

Local RMT Branch Secretary Colin Rigby who also attended the picket said: “I'd just like to reiterate the gratitude our branch has to supporters and highlight the importance of all local working class people sticking together to show our solidarity for present and future disputes and struggles."